THE 1987 CONSTITUTION

OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

PREAMBLE
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to
build a just and humane society, and establish a Government that shall embody our
ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our
patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of
independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice,
freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE I
NATIONAL TERRITORY
The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and
waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has
sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains,
including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other
submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the
archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal
waters of the Philippines .

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES
PRINCIPLES
Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides
in the people and all government authority emanates from them.
Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts
the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land

and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and
amity with all nations.cralaw
Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed
Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to
secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.cralaw
Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people.
The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the
fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to
render personal, military or civil service.cralaw
Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and
property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by
all the people of the blessings of democracy.cralaw
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

STATE POLICIES
Section 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with
other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial
integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.
Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues
a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.cralaw
Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure
the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty
through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a
rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.cralaw
Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national
development.cralaw
Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full
respect for human rights.cralaw
Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and
strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally
protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The
natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic
efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the
Government.cralaw

Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and
shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage
their involvement in public and civic affairs.cralaw
Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall
ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.cralaw
Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people
and instill health consciousness among them.cralaw
Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature.cralaw
Section 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts,
culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress,
and promote total human liberation and development.cralaw
Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall
protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.cralaw
Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy
effectively controlled by Filipinos.cralaw
Section 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector,
encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed
investments.cralaw
Section 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian
reform.cralaw
Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural
communities within the framework of national unity and development.cralaw
Section 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or
sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.cralaw
Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in
nation-building.cralaw
Section 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.cralaw
Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public
service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.cralaw

Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and
take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.cralaw
Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts
and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving
public interest.